Zimbabwe Parliament Passes Presidential Term Extension

Zimbabwean lawmakers passed a constitutional amendment on Thursday extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. The legislation, approved by 216 votes in the lower house, exceeds the two-thirds majority required to alter the constitution and allows President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.

The bill fundamentally alters the electoral process by abolishing direct presidential elections in favor of a parliamentary selection system. By delaying the next scheduled elections from 2028 to 2030, the ruling Zanu-PF party secures an immediate extension of the current administration's mandate. The measure now proceeds to the Senate, where passage is anticipated, followed by presidential enactment.

This legislative shift follows a February cabinet endorsement and the dismissal of a legal challenge by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday. Critics, including opposition parties and legal experts, contend that such significant constitutional changes require a national referendum rather than exclusive parliamentary approval. The amendment marks a departure from the 2013 constitution, which established two-term limits and mandated voter endorsement for any extensions to presidential tenure.